Dear Chairman Orkhan Mammadov,
Dear Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to our anniversary Tenth CICA Business Forum. According to a well-established tradition, CICA Business Fora are held back-to-back with annual Plenary Sessions of the CICA Business Council, and I am glad that the Azerbaijani Chairmanship preserves this legacy.
Asia is a region of vast promise — rich in human capital, innovation, and economic opportunities. As we gather here today from diverse nations and sectors, we reaffirm our shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development through regional cooperation and dialogue.
While the Business Forum is a non-institutionalized B2B platform of CICA, over the years, it has proven to be an unparalleled and vibrant space for businesses to connect, share experiences, and build partnerships. It is completely open, free, and operates as a dynamic networking opportunity, specifically for the SME community.
After all, CICA is about connectivity and people-to-people contacts. So, please take full advantage of this opportunity. Unlike meetings of CICA bodies, this Forum is not about formal procedures or protocols. It is about you, the businesses, to drive conversations, spark ideas, explore tangible collaboration and, ultimately, make deals. As government officials and diplomats, we recognize our limitations. We can provide frameworks and support, but you - the entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators - are the ultimate drivers of economic growth and future prosperity of our vast continent.
Ladies and gentlemen!
As I mentioned at the Business Council plenary session, the CICA Secretariat, under the leadership and support of the Chairmanship, is pleased to present our new Ebook project titled “SME Landscape in Asia: Interactive Guidebook”. My young colleague from the Secretariat will present the eBook in more detail. This digital resource is more than just a document — it’s a hands-on tool designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners across the CICA region. From navigating business registration to exploring financing, it provides clear, actionable insights.
This project was initiated by the CICA Secretariat, which was assigned a broader set of functions in CBM implementation with the adoption of the “Modalities” document by the 7th CICA Ministerial Council meeting in December 2024. The eBook is an important first step in what we envision as a broader initiative – one that, in time, will involve all our 28 Member States. I look forward to your active participation as the project expands. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, we can unlock new opportunities for regional growth and create a more inclusive, digital and sustainable economic future.
This project is an example of practical collaboration and knowledge-sharing. I hope this is just the beginning. And I am keen to see more Member States join us in similar initiatives, helping create a regional ecosystem where SMEs can grow, connect, and enrich each other across borders.
Ladies and gentlemen!
The Business Forum offers a practical opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new areas for cooperation. I hope today’s discussions will be productive and lead to partnerships that bring tangible benefits to businesses and communities across the CICA region.
Good luck! And thank you.
